Neople, a subsidiary of the renowned South Korean gaming giant Nexon, is set to unveil its eagerly awaited hardcore RPG slasher, The First Berserker: Khazan, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. Mark your calendars for the official release on March 27. In anticipation, the developers have shared an engaging eight-minute gameplay trailer that delves deep into the game's sophisticated combat system.
The trailer highlights the three foundational elements of combat in The First Berserker: Khazan: attacking, dodging, and defending. A key aspect of the game is stamina management, with defense consuming a significant amount of stamina compared to dodging. However, executing a perfectly timed block not only conserves stamina but also significantly reduces stun effects, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay. Dodging, while requiring less stamina, demands impeccable timing and swift reflexes to fully benefit from the invulnerability frames offered during these evasive actions. Mastering stamina management is crucial, as it is in many soulslike games, determining the player's success in combat.
Should Khazan's stamina be depleted, he enters a state of exhaustion, rendering him susceptible to enemy attacks. This mechanic can also be turned against foes with stamina bars, as players can strategically drain their opponents' stamina before landing devastating blows. For enemies without stamina bars, relentless attacks can still erode their resilience. These encounters test players' patience, positioning, and timing, yet offer a strategic advantage as monster stamina does not regenerate over time.